COASTAL CAROLINA STUDENTS VISIT MAJOR OFFICE PROJECT IN PARIS
A unique opportunity to gain international perspective
Conway, SC-- Students from Coastal Carolina University recently had an opportunity to enhance classroom learning via a study tour of the “Window at La Defense” major office project in Paris, currently undergoing extensive reconstruction. The tour was arranged through CCU’s Grant Center for Real Estate and Economic Development, which is expanding its international reach through association with leading global professional bodies.
La Defense is Europe’s largest purpose-built business district. Located within the metropolitan area of Paris, just west of the city center, it was originally conceived during the administration of President Charles de Gaulle in the 1960’s.
Situated on 400 acres, La Defense comprises approximately 38 million square feet of offices housing 1,500 businesses, served by 2.3 million sq. ft. of shops and 2,600 hotel rooms. The area which houses 20,000 full-time residents is well known for its distinctive architecture and wide array of modern art sculptures and monuments.
The “Window” project comprises 473,000 sq. ft. of offices featuring 21,500 sq. ft. of open terraces with stunning views of the ‘Grand Arch of La Defense”, a central 250 seat auditorium for presentations and events; and its own shops, restaurants and dining areas comprising approximately 43,000 sq. ft.
The building was originally constructed in 1985 and is now undergoing a two-year comprehensive refurbishment and modernization due for completion in 2018.
The technical visit to Window was carefully planned and executed by an international collaboration between:
•The Grant Center for Real Estate and Economic Development at Coastal Carolina University,
• Levet & Associés, Asset Management Advisers in Paris,
• Eiffage Construction Grands Projets, the French construction group in charge of the entire
project, and
• Pierre-Emmanuel Huardel of F8 Architecture (the designers of the “Window” reconstruction)
About the Grant Center for Real Estate and Economic Development
The Grant Center for Real Estate and Economic Development, in partnership with Coastal Carolina University’s E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration, provides an industry-focused, collaborative environment for students, faculty and the real estate industry to gain and share knowledge. Its mission is to support the education of students, broaden the economic base of the region and foster long-term economic growth in the global business environment.